Plaza life.
explore, enjoy, cherish Athens
SPRING
2017
FREE PRESS | ISSUE 11
A luxury hotel, ideally located at Syntagma Square, in the heart of the business and shopping districts and within walking distance from the Acropolis and the Old City of Plaka. Modern style and elegance in a most relaxing atmosphere of casual chic. Just as atmospheric and comfortable are the rooms and suites tastefully decorated in earthy tones with a number of suites benefitting from a breathtaking and scintillating view of the Acropolis and Stadiou Street. Its prominent location gives one the chance to hop on any bus, metro, trolley, tram, or hire a taxi and within minutes get to one of the major Museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, archaeological sites and tourist attractions that this great city has to offer. Discover the charming boutiques, patisseries, art galleries and cafés in the area, return for a delicious lunch or dinner at “The Parliament” restaurant and enjoy amazing cocktails at the most unique Explorer's Bar.
Corporate Social Responsibility The commitment of our Hotel, NJV Athens Plaza is to continuously acknowledge CSR, through our business ethics and social diligence, in accordance with the principles of sustainability for the society and the environment. Our values • • • •
Responsibility Business Ethics Human Rights Qualitative Hospitality
• Consideration and Caring for each employee • Contributing to the Society • Respecting the Environment • Promoting Culture
Enjoy the exclusive creations of the Mövenpick Maîtres Glaciers for an unforgettable ice cream experience!
Offering a wide selection of sinful desserts created by one of the most talented Greek Pastry Chefs, Dionysis Alertas, as well as coffees & teas, refreshments, wines & cocktails.
Its classy appearance, featuring elegant furniture and sophisticated décor creates an inviting and most tranquil setting for unforgettable dining experiences.
Woman’s Day 8/3 at the Explorer’s Bar Sushi & finger food with a glass of wine and Live Music 20:00-00:00 € 20 / Guest
Ce le brating March 25t h March 25th has a special meaning to the Greeks. It is a double celebration. As Orthodox Christians we celebrate the Annunciation, and also our Independence Day. There is a school flag parade in every town / village and the military parade in Athens, on Vas. Amalias street, a spectacular view from our verandas.
The Parliament Restaurant Greek traditional Menu with delicious cod fish, accompanied by a glass of wine / person €33
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Mother’s Day 14/5 During Lent Season Lenten choices from our a la carte menu
Celebrate the Day at the Plaza Café! Coffee & dessert of your choice €10
Easter in Athens Greek Orthodox Easter is a wonderful time to visit Athens. One of the greatest celebrations of Christianity is Easter. Tsoureki (a traditional Easter brioche) is prepared and eggs are dyed with special red dyes, a custom that symbolises the rebirth of life and nature. On Holy Friday, the Epitaph is decorated with flowers and, in the evening, it is carried out from the church in a procession. Athenians join it on its way through the streets, carrying candles in a mystic atmosphere of devout concentration. On Holy Saturday morning, “maghiritsa” (a rich, thick lamb and herbs soup) is cooked at homes and restaurants. Before midnight, people gather in church holding white candles, which they light with the “Holy Light”. When “Christos Anesti” is proclaimed at 12.00 sharp, an impressive display of fireworks light up the night sky. After the Resurrection ceremony, they all gather around the festively laid table, they crack red eggs and feast on the traditional “maghiritsa”. On Easter Sunday morning, lamb is prepared on the spit or roasted in the oven. The Easter tables are set and people merrily rejoice, eat and drink until late at night. • • •
Holy Friday 14/4 – Lenten choices from our a la carte Μenu Holy Saturday 15/4 – Festive Dinner at the Parliament Restaurant €45/ person (A bottle of House wine / 2 Guests included) Easter Lunch 16/4 – Festive Lunch at the Parliament Restaurant € 55 / person with salads & entrees from our Buffet & a platter of delicious meats at the table. (A bottle of House wine / 2 Guests included).
Τhe most popular routes in Αthens during springtime
Filopappou Hill, in the company of muses Formerly called Hill of the Muses, this bucolic paradise, with its Mediterranean vegetation, perfume of pine trees and the beautiful landscaping of the famous architect Dimitrios Pikionis reward those who stroll here. Don’t miss the Byzantine chapel of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, hidden among the pines.
The most beautiful historic stroll The walk along Dionysios Areopagitis and Apostolos Pavlos streets (the neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis) is one of the most beautiful walks in the centre of the city. Sidewalk cafes, the New Acropolis Museum, and row upon row of elegant neoclassical buildings facing the Acropolis will welcome you as you begin your stroll. Next you’ll come across the Herodion, the ancient theatre that still hosts live performances and has been active in the international art scene for more than half a century. Take a detour to visit the Pnyx archaeological site and continue on to Apostolos Pavlos where the entire neighbourhood of Thiseion unfolds before you, with dozens of coffee shops, ouzeries and restaurants populating its wide sidewalk. Discover the Hill of the Nymphs, with the Temple of Pan, then head to the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and take in the panoramic view of Piraeus and the Aegean.
Take a walk in the garden of kings, the National Garden A green oasis in the centre of the city, the National Garden embraces the Greek Parliament building and continues south to Zappeion. It was once the Royal Garden, commissioned by Queen Amalia, who imported hundreds of plant species. The garden’s boundaries were drawn in 1839, reaching a total of 155 acres. Extending from the Presidential Mansion to the Maximos Mansion, from the Stadium to the Columns of Olympian Zeus, the gardens of Zappeion are a popular space for rest and recreation in the centre of the capital. The impressive Zappeion mansion - a semicircular neoclassical building with a Corinthian portico - was completed in 1878 by the Danish architect Theofilos Hansen. It’s worth walking through the manicured gardens where you can also stop for a coffee or a bite at cafe-restaurants.
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Stavros Niarchos Park and Foundation Cultural Center
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A vital green space, a breath of life for Athens
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The Stavros Niarchos Park, a modern Landscape Architecture project has been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainability, ecosystems and the alternations of a place that is in constant evolution. It is a welcoming and open space, with plantings and a character that reflects the Mediterranean landscape.
ONASSIS CULTURAL CENTRE Dimitris Papaioannou A new production
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Dimitris Papaioannou has been quietly preparing to surprise his audience once again with a second production at the OCC to be staged in 2017. True to the tradition by which he seeks to keep his works shrouded in mystery until their moment of revelation, Dimitris Papaioannou is working hard to surprise his loyal fans once again with a second production at the OCC to be staged in 2017. www.sgt.gr/eng/
The Gardens of Byzantine & Christian museum An oasis in the heart of the city
The gardens of the Byzantine Museum are an oasis in the heart of the city where visitors can take an imaginary journey through history and art. Seating areas are provided under the fruit trees, surrounded by aromatic herbs and fountains. Three small themed exhibitions of historic and archaeological interest are presented in the gardens www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/gardens/
Maria Callas: The myth is alive B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts and Music M AY 1 0 - S E P T E M B E R 30, 201 7
The largest number of Maria Kallas's personal items derived from the impressive collection of Nick Haralampopoulos. 9 Vasilissis Sofias & Merlin Street, Athens,10671
www.thf.gr
Hydra
Overlooking the Argosaronic gulf, this small island is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Lavish stone mansions owned by important families (Voulgaris, Kountouriotis, Tombazis, Kriezis, Bountouris Verveniotis etc), built by Italian artisans, reveal the wealth that the island has experienced in the past. Today most of these mansions, house the island’s museums. One of those historic buildings, once been a sponge factory, is nowadays the famous boutique hotel “Bratsera”. 300 churches and 6 monasteries spread around the island, as well as the cannons and the statues of the Independence War heroes still standing on the island’s balconies, create a romantic mosaic. Getting there B y fly i ng dolphin There are flying dolphins departing daily from the port of Piraeus (app. 1h and 30 min.)
B y he l i copt e r ! There is a flat area close to town of Hydra, which is used as a place for helicopters to land and take off. Air Heli, based in Porto Heli, also has air transport links to Hydra (tel. 0030 210 3601600).
Explore the island’s beaches Mandraki During the Greek War of Independence it was used as a harbour but today it is an organised beach with excellent water sport facilities.
Bisti A pebbly beach, where Hydra Diving Centre organises water sport activities such as diving and kayaking.
Vlychos A beach covered with pebbles at Vlychos holiday resort.
Spilia Ideal for tan-seeking sunbathers.
Limnioniza Many people consider it as the most beautiful beach on the island, probably because it takes two hours hiking in order to reach it, and enjoy a swim in its turquoise water!
Hydronéta This beach, which lies directly beneath the cannons, has cement decks suitable for sunbathing.
Ayios Nikolaos A sandy beach, on the west of the island. Access is only possible by water taxi.
Dive into the history Historical archive-Museum of Hydra It showcases rare archive material related to the history, tradition and culture of the island from 1708-1865. It includes an Archive Section, the Museum Section, and the Library.
Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum Housed in the old Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it houses vestments, holy vessels, elaborately decorated gospel and icons, mainly from the 18th century.
Annex to the National Historical Museum The house of Lazaros Kountouriotis operates as an annex of the National Historical Museum. It was donated to the National and Ethnological Society of Greece in 1979 by Kountouriotis' descendents.
Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra Housed in the mansion of G. Kountouriotis, the museum exhibits personal artifacts of the Kountouriotis family, as well as exhibits from the modern history of the island.
For Art Lovers You’re an artist or an art lover? Greece is the native land of great artists dating as far back as the Antiquity. In the shops in Plaka and in gift shops of city museums such as the Acropolis Museum you will find true copies of ancient art as well as modern original works of art inspired by ancient Greek heritage. A visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art would also be a great idea, if you love the abstract style of prehistoric Cycladic Art. If however you prefer ornate creations, visiting the Benaki Museum is a must for you; on display you will see earrings, necklaces, and rings fit to a Byzantine noblewoman. You will find exquisite jewellery to suit all tastes, in the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum. If you are a Modern Art lover, visit the Herakleidon Museum Gift shop where you will find remarkable objects on sale – inspired after the museum exhibits. In Kolonaki, galleries house works of art by contemporary famous artists and in Gazi you will find items created by new and rising artists.
Shopping for luxury lovers Panepistimiou-Voukourestiou Stadiou-Amerikis-Kolonaki Those of you, who seek luxury in the heart of town, search no more! The so-called golden square of the city centre buzzes with life. It is home to historic cafes, designer stores, the renovated Pallas Theatre and the Spyromilios arcade. Kolonaki is the ideal shopping area for you. Skoufa, Patriarchou Ioakeim, and Tsakalof are streets lined with boutiques full of designer products of top quality and high aesthetics. When you’re finished with your shopping, take a break and enjoy a light meal or have a coffee in one of the famous local cafés and restaurants.
Ermou Street Ermou Street, in the heart of Athens, begins from Syntagma Square and ends at Monastiraki. It is the most famous shopping promenade and one of the best choices in Athens for clothing, accessories and quality souvenir shopping. Especially if you are looking for shoes, Ermou Street is the best choice as it offers a great number of shoe stores.
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Cycladic Art Museum Shop
Acropolis Museum Shop
Discover the world’s widest range of iconic Cycladic figurine reproductions. Decorate your home with stylish artifact replicas and handcrafted marble homeware made the same way today as 4500 years ago. For that special gift fit for a goddess, explore the selection of Ancient Greek jewelry replicas or stunning designer jewelry inspired by the past.
The ground level shop features a broad selection of postcards, paper goods and the museum’s children’s collection. The second floor shop, located next to the museum restaurant, provides a vast array of books on the Acropolis and topics, as well as related items and gifts. 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Str., 11742 Athens T: +30 213 2139552 E-Mail: shops@theacropolismuseum.gr www.theacropolismuseum.gr
4 Neophytou Douka Str., 10674 Athens T: +30 210 7228321 E-Mail: museum@cycladic.gr www.cycladic.gr
Byzantine Museum Shop A limited selection of publications regarding the history and/or artwork of the Byzantine Era at prices ranging from 10-120 Euros 22 Vasilissis Sofias Ave., 106 75 Athens T: +30 210 7211027 E-Mail: info@byzantinemuseum.gr www.byzantinemuseum.gr
Benaki Museum Shop The shop in the Central building began producing and selling reproductions of the Museum’s exhibits. Among the innumerable museum exhibits, people at the shop have chosen classic works and reproduced them with respect and consideration. In this way, the shop has been successful in disseminating the museum exhibits through high-quality reproductions. These faithful reproductions can easily be acquired by the public both in Greece and abroad. It is indicative that among the shop’s most loyal customers are the Greek state, the Church of Greece, ministries, embassies, banks and prominent organisations. The highly experienced shop staff is glad to advise clients on their purchases or even help them to customise their gifts. 1 Vas. Sofias & Koubari Str., 10673 Athens - T: +30 210 3671000 E-Mail: sales-shop@benaki.gr - www.benaki.gr
Museum Herakleidon At the museum shop of the building on 16 Herakleidon Str you will find quality gifts relating to the concept of Science, Art and Mathematics. At the museum shop of the building on 37 Ap. Pavlou Str you will find catalogs, posters and special publications relating to current exhibitions. 16, Herakleidon Str | T.: +30 210 3461981 E-Mail: apapadimouli@herakleidon-art.gr 37, Ap. Pavlou Str | T.: +30 211 0126486 E-Mail: museum@herakleidon-art.gr www.herakleidon-art.gr/en
For Vintage Lovers You look for authentic vintage furniture and decorative items, clothes and other old, well-preserved objects? The marketplaces in Monastiraki and the neighbouring Psyrri area are the ideal shopping destination for you. Have a short break in Avissynias square for a coffee or a cocktail and allow the cinematic feel of the scenery take you on a journey through time!
Avyssinias Square Lined with antique shops, ouzo bars and even the occasional peddler selling antiques, this vibrant commercial square of Monastiraki area is a popular attraction for locals and visitors. This square was named after Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia (the modern nation of Abyssinia), who supplied financial aid to buy food for refugees in 1922. Rebuilt from scratch, the whole Monastiraki area now homes excellent shopping and modern architecture, as well as a few touches directly from its ancient past.
Monastiraki Monastiraki is a famous district of Athens that extends from the Monastiraki square to Thission region. During the older days the flea market was called Yousourum and was named after a family that came from Smyrna to Athens and whose commercial activity created a tradition. Even composer Stavros Xarhakos made a wonderful Greek popular song, the famous “Yousouroum” during the 60’s. The main flea market of Athens is at Avyssinias square at the end of Hephaestou Street. Along Hephaestus Street you will mainly find various shoe shops, clothing shops and music stores. On the same street, within the arcades, there are some good second hand book stores.
Jewelry made with Passion In Giouzenis Jewelry you will discover the world of high end jewelry design, using top quality gemstones. A wide range of watches and gifts are also offered by brands such as Longines, Corum, Montblanc, Perrelet, Titoni and Montegrappa.
2, Voukourestiou str. Athens 10564 T. +302103228688 www.giouzenis.com
Giouzenis Jewelry, designing and handcrafting jewelry since 1955!
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HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY D. POUPALOS - ARTWORK BY MMK DESIGN TEAM
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1. National Garden, Botanological Museum and Zappion Gardens 2. Psirri 3. Monastiraki - Avyssinias Square 4. Ancient Agora 5. Anafiotika 6. Acropolis Museum
7. Benaki Museum 8. Byzantine Museum 9. Cycladic Museum 10. Museum Herakleidon 11. Ermou Street 12. Giouzenis Jewelry